While Utah is renowned for its stunning national parks, you would be remised to skip the state’s other natural landscapes. Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon are two such amazing spots in southeast UT.

Visitors to Goblin Valley State Park can explore the park by walking among the intricate rock formations, which offer endless opportunities for exploration. There are a few established hiking trails through the park, but the best way to appreciate the natural beauty is to wander through the rock formations, which are shaped like goblins or hoodoos.

The most iconic spot within the park is the "Valley of the Goblins," where the concentration of these unusual rock formations is especially high. Wandering through this area is like stepping into another world. As you meander amidst the towering rock formations, you can't help but feel a sense of awe at the whimsical shapes and intricate designs crafted by millennia of wind and water erosion. These formations create a surreal landscape that looks like something out of a fantasy film. Exploring this maze-like valley, you never know what hidden nooks and crannies you might discover, beckoning you to climb, scramble, and explore further.

The valley has three different areas known as Valley 1, Valley 2, and Valley 3, with each offering its own set of rock formations and scenic views. It's a great place to wander and let your imagination run wild as you marvel at the shapes and textures of the rocks. Valley 1 is closest to the parking lot, and as you meander farther away, to the east is valley 2 and to the south is valley 3. Most visitors stay in the valley 1 area. So, if you make the distance to valley 3, you most likely will find yourself alone, giving yourself a chance to contemplate, feeling small in the vastness of the landscape and being connected to the ancient forces that shaped it.

Just down the road to the west is the trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon. It is a stunning slot canyon renowned for its narrow passages, towering sandstone walls, and winding paths making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the canyon offers a relatively accessible adventure suitable for most skill levels, but a few sections can be challenging. In the slot canyon visitors can expect to encounter mesmerizing rock formations, tight squeezes, an occasional fallen boulder or two to be scrambled over, and the feeling of being enveloped by nature's raw beauty. While most people hike out and back, turning around at a spot of their choice, you can combine it with Bell Canyon creating a loop. This is what we chose to do, making an 8-mile hike.

So, if you find yourself in southeast Utah for the National Parks, don’t forget to check out these two fascinating natural areas.

Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse Canyon

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